Hip injury is worse than before, admits Dembele as Spurs star fights his way back to fill fitness

Tottenham's Moussa Dembele has reveled the pain in his hip has never been so intense as he works his way back to full fitness.

The 25-year-old has quickly become a favourite at White Hart Lane since joining in the summer, despite making only a handful of appearances at the club before injury jeopardised his season.

'I've had this hip problem before but this time it has been worse than it ever was in the past,' he told the Evening Standard.

Road to recovery: Dembele has not started a game for Spurs since the beginning of October

'Normally I can rest for three or four days and it is okay but this time the pain was more intense and I needed a longer spell out. I've worked with a personal physio in Belgium and it requires a lot of exercises. When I first got the problem again, I was worried that I would have to have an operation but the medical staff at Tottenham were very good.

'We searched for the best doctors that there were to treat hip injuries and I was supported very well. I'm happy the club gave me the time and space I needed to be pain-free again.

'When I thought I would need an operation, it was a difficult time for me and I wasn't happy but, unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do about it. Luckily, I've now been given the all-clear to play by the doctors.'

Rest: The midfielder claims the pain in his hip is 'more intense' than before

The midfielder suffered a recurrence of the injury while on international duty early last month and he has not started a game for Spurs since the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at the beginning of October.

'It's good to be back on the pitch again, even just for short spells, after having more than a month out,' said Dembele.

'The injury is okay now and it's about coming back slowly. I didn't feel as though I could have played a full game against Lazio or West Ham but it's a lot better.

'I need to talk to the manager to see when it's right for me to play 90 minutes but I hope I can do my bit now and help the team. I always want them to do well so I wasn't happy to see the poor results.

'They have played some good games and they haven't always been lucky but I hope I can give a bit extra and help them a bit more. I am a creative player and I can bring something more to the team.'